Opening of the Consumer Welfare Month

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the opening ceremony of the Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as the lead agency.

With this year’s theme of “Get Organized. Be Heard, Be empowered,” the President joined guests from the business, consumer and government sectors for the annual celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 1098 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos.

In his speech, the President said that RA 7394, also known as the Consumer Welfare Act that was enforced during the term of President Corazon Aquino, aims to protect the interest of consumers and their interest in trade which in turn assures quality services and products at an affordable cost. He added that the celebration of CWM highlights the significant role of the consumer in the economy. The President also assured every Filipino, both consumer and businessmen, that the government is thinking of their welfare in every program they implement, an example of which is the “Diskwento Caravan.” Likewise, government is also closely monitoring the proper weighing of products that are being sold in the market.

The President added that there are more than 3,000 consumer welfare desks to entertain consumer complaints. He also stressed the rights of the consumers to receive quality products and services as promised in advertisements and posters.

The annual celebration of CWM is in line with the objective of DTI to revitalize, strengthen and empower the regional and national consumer organizations in the country in hopes to improve and strengthen the partnership between government and consumer organizations.